Life After UNI: 21 Questions With Daurice Fountain

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Finishing his career in the Top 10 for catches, yards and touchdowns at Northern Iowa, Daurice Fountain is arguably the greatest wide receiver to play for the Purple & Gold this century.

The Panther wide receiver capped his sensational career in Cedar Falls by becoming just the sixth wide receiver to finish ranked in the Top 10 for catches (150), yards (2,077) and touchdowns (23) at UNI.

Fountain earned 66 catches this past season, racking up 943 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 66 receptions rank as the ninth-most in as season at UNI, while the 12 touchdowns are slotted fifth-most in a season. The stellar year on the gridiron earned Fountain an invitation to the 93rd annual East-West Shrine Game (Jan. 20, 2018) this past month, becoming just the fifth Panther to earn to honor.

With his sights now set on new heights, the Madison, Wisconsin native took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his experience at UNI, past accomplishments and his future plans.

Q: How have you been filling your time after graduation?
A: I took some time off after graduation just to reflect on my career and to let my body heal up from the season. I'm in Denver, Colorado right now training for the NFL, so I've been very busy to say the least.

Q: What went through your mind when you heard you were invited to the Shrine Game?
A: It's surreal, I didn't believe it at first. My mom called me saying, "you got invited to a bowl game!" I didn't think she knew what she was talking about. Right after that, that's when I got the email and I was mind blown. It's a blessing man.

Q: What are you hoping to gain from the experience of playing at the Shrine Game?
A: Just to prove to the scouts that I can play at a high level. Being at a FCS school, I've always been doubted. So, I'm hoping to prove I can play with the best of the best.

Q: How does it feel that you're this close to fulfilling your dream of playing in the NFL?
A: It doesn't feel real, it's crazy to think God has given me the opportunity to fulfill my dream. It's a blessing and I'm truly thankful, because I know there are a lot of dudes that wish they can be in my shoes right now. So, to know that I'm actually this close to it, makes me extremely thankful.

Q: If football doesn't pan out, what other future plans or passions do you have?
A: If football doesn't work out I want to be a coach or a sports commentator. Football/sports in general has changed my life for the better. I've developed so many important relationships from teammates, friends and mentors that I'm extremely grateful for.

Q: What is the one area on/off the field that you improved the most from your time at UNI?
A: Becoming a better man of Christ and being more sociable with people that I don't know well.

Q: How did the turnaround to last season feel?
A: It felt great man. I knew we were going to pull this season around just because of the hard-working people we had on our team. The vibe of the team felt a lot different than from past years. We were much closer than other teams and I think that translated well on the field.

Q: What things did the team do/say to go on that win streak down the stretch?
A: I know from a receiver stand point we always talked about getting 1% better every day. Whether that's blocking, catching or scoring TD's, as a team we just kept saying "everything matters" so don't take anything for granted.

Q: Looking back on your career at UNI, what are you most proud of?
A: I'm most proud of our team success and obviously earning All-MVC and All-American honors my senior year.

Q: How does it feel to know you're only the sixth player ever at UNI to rank in the Top 10 for catches, yards and touchdowns all-time?
A: It's surreal, I just want to thank my teammates for allowing me to achieve those accomplishments. I wouldn't have been able to do without them. So, that achievement really reflects our offensive success as a whole these past four years.

Q: Four years ago, did you see your college career playing out the way it did?
A: No, not at all. It's rare to see collegiate athletes receive the same amount of recognition that they did in high school. I was really blessed to have my collegiate career kind of go the same way as my high school career did.

Q: Who do you think was most responsible for your development at UNI?
A: Coach Mark Farley, Stacia Eggers, Ken and Lynn Trautmann. Jed Smith and the whole strength staff, Travis Stueve and the whole training staff and obviously Coach Pat McCann.

Q: What is your most memorable game at UNI?
A: The Cal Poly game this year, scoring three touchdowns with the game-winning score.

Q: Looking ahead to next year, how do you think the 2018 Panthers will do?
A: They should do well, they're young but have a lot of talent on the roster. I expect the WR's to be the best group out there.

Q: Who is one player on the roster that you think will be a breakout player next year?
A: A lot of people come to mind, but the one that sticks out the most is Jaylin James, he has that drive and competitive edge just like me. I'm probably more competitive, but seriously though he wants it so much and if the coaching staff feeds him the ball next year he will have a great season.

Q: What legacy did you think you left at UNI?
A: I left leaving my number a better number than what it was when I came in. I want people to remember me as being a high energy player that was dominant at all phases of the game.

Q: If you could go back four years and give yourself advice, what would you say?
A: Redshirt, lift hard but not too crazy because you're going to save your body a lot of pain in the future. Have fun, this time goes by so fast so don't get caught in being perfect all the time. Enjoy your teammates, family and college because before you know it, it's going to be over.

Q: What was the toughest moment at UNI and how did you overcome it?
A: My toughest moment is my current moment, probably just realizing it's over. I'm going to miss everything about UNI, but with daily prayer and just keeping faith that God has better plans for me in the future, I know I'm going to be alright.

Q: What are your plans over the next few months?
A: Train in Colorado, go to the East-West Shrine Game, then see how far God is willing to take me with this football thing.

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself this time next year?
A: Finically stable, relaxing in my home and playing the game I love.

Q: What message do you have for your teammates, coaches and Panther nation?
A: I love y'all Panther nation, thank you for all of the great memories. I'll never forget y'all. #10Out (drops mic)

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Life After UNI: 21 Questions With Daurice Fountain

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